Current Title:	Aviatzia Na Bulgarski Voennomorski Flot
Title in English:	Bulgarian Naval Aviation
Abbreviation:	AnBVMF

Narrative Summary:
In 1959 three Bulgarian Navy crews began training on two Mi-4M helicopters. A dedicated anti-submarine air squadron was established in October of the same year. Initially, it was subordinate to the Air Force, and based at Vrazhdebna airport near Sofia. On 5 May 1961 the squadron was transferred to Chaika airport and subordinated to the Navy. In 1979 the Mi-4s were replaced by Mi-14 helicopters. On In September 1990 the squadron was renamed to its present title.

Key Dates:
1959		Naval helicopter crews begin training on the Mi-4.
14 October 1959		Helicopter ASW Squadron was established.
5 May 1961		Helicopter ASW Squadron transferred to full Navy control.
September 1990		Naval aviation unit renamed to present title.

Current Status:
Bulgarian naval helicopters are used primarily for ASW and Search & Rescue (SAR) missions.

Future Plans:
Take delivery of six AS.565 Panther helicopters from France.

National Insignia:

            Main markingFin Flash
The main marking is displayed in three positions on helicopters: on the fuselage sides and under the fuselage. No fin flash is used. Recently overhauled Mi-14s carry an emblem, together with 'NAVY' and 'Voennomorski Sili' titles on both sides of the fuselage.

Aircraft Serial Numbering System(s):
Bulgarian naval helicopters use the same serialling system as the air force - a unique three figure number for each airframe.

Unit/Base Aircraft Code System(s):
Coding system not used

Aircraft Designation System(s):
None - Manufacturers designations used

Current Aircraft Inventory:
Click on aircraft type for more details

Aircraft Type	Total Del'd	Total Now	Role	Origin
Eurocopter AS.565MB Panther	6*	-	ASW/SAR	France
Mil Mi-14BT Haze	2	1	Transport	USSR
Mil Mi-14PL Haze	9	4	ASW/SAR	USSR

* on order.

All-Time Aircraft Used List:
Click on aircraft type for more details

Aircraft Type	Quantity	Service Entry	Retirement	Origin
Eurocopter AS.565MB Panther	6*	2010	-	France
Kamov Ka-25Tz, Hormone	1	1984	1991	USSR
Mil Mi-4A, Hound	2?	1965	1979	USSR
Mil Mi-4M, Hound	4?	1959	1979	USSR
Mil Mi-14BT, Haze	2	1979	current	USSR
Mil Mi-14PL, Haze	9	1979	current	USSR

* on order.

Aircraft NOT Used:
False reports of aircraft on order or in service - none known.

Main Headquarters:
Sofia.

Current Organisational Structure:
The Bulgarian naval air arm comprises one helicopter squadron. Initially called the OPLEV-VMF (Otdelna Protivolodachna Eskadrila na VMF - Independent ASW Squadron of the Navy), it was later renamed to its present title.

Current Order of Battle:
Click on unit title for more details

Squadron	Type	Base
Otdelna Morska Eskadrila Vertoleti*	Mil-14PL/BT	Tchaika

* = Independent Naval Helicopter Squadron

Historical Orders of Battle:
Not applicable.

All-Time Flying Units List:
Not applicable.

Pre-flight checks for a Mi-14PL (photo, George Petkov)	Refuelling a Mi-14PL (photo, George Petkov)
Side view of Mi-14PL Haze serial 809 (photo, George Petkov)	Another view of Mi-14PL serial 809 (photo, George Petkov)

Current Air Bases:
All helicopters are operated from the naval base at Tchaika, on the east coast.

All-Time Air Bases Used List:
To be added

Books:

To be added

Magazines:

Air Forces Monthly May 1998
Air Forces Monthly January 2001
World Air Power Journal No.36

Websites:

Bulgarian Military Page